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Charred Wooden Shingles and Cross-Laminated Timber Cabins Nestled in Iceland's Volcanic Landscape

Author:
Wenliang Wang
Charred Wooden Shingles and Cross-Laminated Timber Cabins Nestled in Iceland's Volcanic Landscape
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Constructed from charred wooden shingles and cross-laminated timber, the cabins offer a seamless blend of modern shelter and natural integration in Iceland's volcanic landscape, designed specifically for trekkers seeking refuge in the outdoors.
5 key facts about this project
01
Cabins utilize charred wooden shingles to enhance durability and weather resistance.
02
The design incorporates large glass panels for panoramic views and natural light.
03
Modular construction allows for flexibility in placement along trekking routes.
04
Sustainable features include rainwater collection and integration of wind energy.
05
The bent A-frame structure optimizes interior space while reducing visual impact.

### Project Overview

This project comprises a series of modular cabins located in the diverse geological landscape of Iceland. Designed as resting points for trekkers, the cabins provide essential shelter while fostering a strong relationship between the built environment and the surrounding nature. The intent is to create a cohesive experience that enhances the journey through the wilderness, addressing both functional and symbolic needs.

### Spatial Organization and User Experience

The cabins are characterized by a minimalist design that emphasizes simplicity and functionality. Each structure incorporates vertical movement through distinct resting and public spaces, allowing for varied interactions among users while providing adequate amenities. The cabins’ modularity facilitates flexible configurations, catering to specific site contexts and promoting engagement with the natural environment.

Large glass panels incorporated into one side of each cabin afford panoramic views of the Icelandic landscape, encouraging occupants to connect deeply with their surroundings. This strategic use of transparency contrasts with the solid black-painted wooden facades, creating a distinct visual identity that blends into the rugged terrain.

### Materiality and Sustainability

Constructed primarily of black-painted wood, the facades of the cabins contribute to their aesthetic appeal while maintaining durability against harsh weather conditions. The selection of transparent glass enhances the interaction with the landscape, allowing natural light to penetrate the interior. Additionally, the structural components likely utilize steel for strength, although specific details are not emphasized.

Sustainability is a core theme in the design, with features such as rainwater collection and filtration systems integrated into the cabins. Renewable energy sources, including wind turbines, aim to minimize environmental impact while supporting the cabins’ operational needs. This commitment to ecological considerations aligns with the project’s goal of fostering a respectful relationship between architecture and nature.

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The Next House: USA — A Global Call to Reimagine the American Suburb

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Buildner is launching The Next House: USA, a global architecture competition that challenges architects, designers, and thinkers to reimagine the American suburban home for the 21st century. For decades, the suburban house has symbolized comfort and stability, but today it often reflects excess, isolation, and environmental strain. This competition asks: how can the American home evolve to address climate urgency, economic pressures, and shifting social values?

Participants are tasked with designing a prototype home of no more than 1,500 sq ft (≈140 m²) for a household of two adults and one child. The design should be compact yet generous, adaptable, sustainable, affordable, and replicable across diverse U.S. contexts. More than a design exercise, the competition aims to spark a conversation about how homes can support healthier, smarter, and more connected communities.

The total prize fund is $20,000 USD. The final registration deadline is May 20, 2026, and winners will be announced on September 22, 2026. The Next House: USA invites architects, students, and visionaries worldwide to redefine what the American home means today—and what it should mean tomorrow.

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